On this episode of the #AskASwimPro show, we’re in Orlando, Florida at the Pan American Masters Swimming Championships with Erika Braun.

Erika Braun is a world class masters swimmer with multiple FINA Masters World Records. She swims in North Carolina and competed in the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials!

Erika’s advice to beginner masters swimmers:

“Find a group of people you enjoy having fun with that has a good coaching program. Be open to new techniques, the way we swim now is different than when we were growing up. What really inspires me is seeing theses 80 year olds who are still swimming and to see how fit they are in their minds and their bodies.”

Listen to the interview with Erika on SoundCloud:

Interview Notes:

0:24 – Pan Ams 50 Free race recap!

0:53 – Thoughts on the no-breather 50 free

1:33 – Erika’s swimming background starting at age 12

2:22 – Taking a break from swimming (age 20-32)

2:50 – Getting back into masters swimming

3:50 – What was it like qualifying for Olympic Trials?

5:58 – The “Jamaican Taper”

6:15 – How to stay focused in masters swimming.

7:05 – Advice for swimmers who take a 10-20 year break

8:15 – How to swim life-time bests 20 years after college!

9:40 – What inspires you?

10:20 – What is your current workout schedule?

11:30 – Importance of nutrition

12:15 – How to approach the racing calendar

13:15 – Favorite events!

14:50 – Advice for first-time masters swimmers

“When you become a Masters swimmer, you have to focus on your own personal goals. You don’t want to compare yourself to Simone Manuel.”